The Los Angeles Rams put an emphasis on revamping their passing game around quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason.
Although the receiving corps will once again be headed by the duo of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, head coach Sean McVay fulfilled his wish of securing a couple of deep threats in DeSean Jackson and Tutu Atwell.
There is plenty of speculation regarding how this pecking order will shake out in the 2021 NFL season. It appears second-year wide receiver Van Jefferson has done what he can to make a case for himself this offseason.
Unlike last year, Jefferson has had the benefit of a full offseason with the Rams. McVay shared some high praise for the flashes of promise he showed so far through OTA’s and mandatory minicamp, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
McVay called Jefferson a “major bright spot” this offseason.
“He’s really put the work in,” McVay said. “He’s come back establishing himself as a legitimate dude, a guy that we’re counting on for big things and I think the future is so bright.”
The Rams had high hopes for Jefferson after taking him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He managed to turn heads during a limited offseason that was restricted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
However, Jefferson struggled to etch out an integral role for himself as a rookie. He finished the season with just 19 receptions for 220 receiving yards and a touchdown while logging snaps on special teams.
Jefferson admits that much of his rookie season was a feeling-out process for him getting acclimated to the next level. He noted how much more comfortable he feels with the system heading into Year 2.
The Rams have a surplus of options for Stafford to work with in the passing game. Aside from the members of the receiving corps, tight end Tyler Higbee and running back Cam Akers are also expected to serve as viable options for the gunslinger to rely on.
As a result, it remains to be seen who exactly will emerge as the No. 3 option behind Woods and Kupp. It is safe to say that Jefferson has done a solid job of making his case in the eyes of McVay so far.
There is no question that a complete offseason has helped pay some dividends for the younger players on the roster. They will need all the preparation they can get if they hope to meet their Super Bowl expectations this season.
